OXFORD — Washing your hands might seem like a simple act, but the effect it can have on personal and public health is far form simple, according to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

Some students in the Talawanda School District will get that message highlighted when members of APIC Chapter 26 present the program, “It’s Time to Wash,” during International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) Oct. 20 to 26.

The program will be shown to all fifth-grade students at Bogan Elementary and Kramer Elementary Wednesday, Oct. 23. It will also be presented to Talawanda High School freshmen health science students Thursday, Oct. 24. Parents are welcome to attend.

APIC’s goal is to spread the message that everyone plays a role in infection prevention.

“We will be educating the students on the importance of proper hand washing,” said Eulin Kuranga of APIC. “Our goal is to increase awareness of everyone’s role in infection prevention practices in and out of healthcare facilities. Remember that clean hands are essential to preventing infections. Infection prevention is everyone’s responsibility.”

IIPW aims to raise awareness of the role infection prevention plays to improve patient safety. Established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, APIC has spearheaded the annual effort to highlight the importance of infection prevention among healthcare professionals, administrators, legislators, and consumers. It is now formally recognized in many areas around the world including the U.S., Australia, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.